Plateau Camping Area

Nestled within the scenic expanse of Lake Mineral Wells State Park, the Plateau Camping Area stands as a prime destination for Texans seeking an authentic outdoor experience. This beloved campground, located at 61 Plateau Lp, Mineral Wells, TX 76067, USA, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and essential amenities, making it a popular choice for both seasoned campers and families new to the joys of the outdoors. The Plateau Camping Area is renowned for its spacious sites, pristine facilities, and immediate access to the diverse recreational opportunities that Lake Mineral Wells State Park has to offer, from tranquil lake activities to challenging rock climbing.

For generations, Texans have flocked to state parks to reconnect with nature, and Plateau Camping Area embodies this spirit. It’s a place where you can unwind under the vast Texas sky, gather around a crackling campfire, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether your ideal getaway involves casting a line into the lake, exploring miles of winding trails, or testing your limits on natural rock formations, Plateau Camping Area provides the perfect basecamp for your adventures. The commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment ensures that every visit is a comfortable and enjoyable one, inviting campers to return year after year to this genuine Texas gem.

Plateau Camping Area is conveniently situated within Lake Mineral Wells State Park, making it an easily accessible escape for residents across Texas. The park's address is 61 Plateau Lp, Mineral Wells, TX 76067, USA. Its strategic location offers a sweet spot between secluded natural beauty and proximity to urban conveniences.

For those traveling from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the journey is straightforward. From Fort Worth, you'll take I-20 west, then exit onto Ric Williamson Memorial Hwy (Exit 405). Following the signs, you'll eventually turn onto US-180 West, which leads directly to Park Road 71 and the park headquarters. The drive is approximately an hour west of Fort Worth, or about an hour and a half from Dallas, making it a manageable day trip or weekend getaway for many Texans. From Abilene, travelers can take I-20 East to exit 386 for Hwy 281 North, then proceed to Mineral Wells and take Hwy 180 East for about 3 miles, where the park entrance on Park Road 71 will be on the left.

Once inside the park, the Plateau Camping Area is clearly signposted. Its position offers easy access to the lake, various trailheads, and the park's central facilities. This combination of straightforward travel and in-park accessibility makes Plateau Camping Area a highly desirable destination for Texans seeking a convenient yet immersive outdoor experience.

• Electric Hookups (30-amp and 50-amp): Many campsites in the Plateau Camping Area are equipped with electric hookups, providing 30-amp service, while other areas of Lake Mineral Wells State Park offer 50-amp options. This caters to a wide range of RVs and trailers, ensuring a comfortable stay with access to power for essential appliances.

• Water Hookups: All electric campsites come with water hookups, providing convenient access to fresh, potable water at your site.

• Sewer Hookups: While not all sites at Plateau may have individual sewer hookups, the park typically offers a sanitary dump station for easy RV waste disposal, ensuring cleanliness and convenience for all campers.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides well-maintained comfort stations with restrooms and showers. These facilities are frequently praised by visitors for their cleanliness, making it easy to freshen up after a day of outdoor activities.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite includes a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a grill, perfect for enjoying campfires and cooking meals under the stars.

• Lantern Posts: Many sites also feature lantern posts, offering a convenient place to hang lights and illuminate your campsite in the evenings.

• Designated Swimming Area: Lake Mineral Wells offers a designated swimming area, providing a safe and enjoyable spot for cooling off during warmer months.

• Boat Ramp and Rentals: A boat ramp provides easy access to the 640-acre lake. For those without their own vessel, the park offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and flat-bottom boats, allowing everyone to enjoy the water.

• Fishing Piers: Several fishing piers are available, including an artificially lit one, providing excellent opportunities for anglers to cast a line. No fishing license is required when fishing from a pier or the shoreline within a state park.

• Park Store/Headquarters: The park headquarters often includes a small store where campers can find basic supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and information about the park and local attractions.

• Accessibility Features: Lake Mineral Wells State Park is committed to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible campsites (such as site #86 in Plateau), restrooms, fishing piers, and accessible routes to amenities like the amphitheater.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed in most Texas State Parks, including Lake Mineral Wells, provided they are kept on a leash and follow park rules. Specific pet restrictions may apply, so it’s always wise to check with the park directly.

• Day Use Facilities: The park offers ample picnic areas, playgrounds, and general day-use areas for visitors not staying overnight.

• Lake Mineral Wells: The 640-acre lake is a central feature, offering a variety of water activities including fishing for crappie, sunfish, catfish, and bass, as well as boating, kayaking, canoeing, and a designated swimming area. Motorized boats are allowed, but jet skis, water skiing, and tubing are generally prohibited, ensuring a calmer lake experience.

• Penitentiary Hollow: This unique geological formation is a major draw for the park. It's a small canyon renowned for its natural rock-climbing opportunities, making Lake Mineral Wells State Park one of the few places in North Texas offering this activity. Climbers can explore various routes, and even non-climbers can enjoy traversing its narrow crevices and admiring the impressive rock formations.

• Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway: The park is an integral part of the larger 20-mile Trailway, which connects Mineral Wells and Weatherford. This multi-use trail, built on an abandoned rail line, is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering gentle grades and scenic views of the Texas landscape. The Trailway provides an extensive network for outdoor exploration right from your campsite.

• Extensive Trail System: Beyond the Trailway, the park boasts a diverse network of hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes like the Red Waterfront Trail. These trails wind through various ecosystems, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and immersing oneself in nature.

• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a variety of Texas wildlife, including deer, armadillos, squirrels, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. The natural setting provides excellent opportunities for observing these animals in their habitat.

• Equestrian Facilities: For horse lovers, the park offers equestrian-friendly campsites and trails, particularly along the Cross Timbers Trail and the Trailway, making it a great spot for horseback riding enthusiasts.

• Family-Friendly Environment: With diverse activities catering to all ages, from playgrounds and swimming to hiking and fishing, Plateau Camping Area and Lake Mineral Wells State Park are well-suited for family camping trips, ensuring there's something for everyone.

• Beautiful Scenery: The park showcases the beauty of the North Texas landscape, with rolling hills, dense foliage, and the serene lake providing picturesque backdrops for your camping experience.

As Plateau Camping Area is part of the Texas State Parks system, specific promotions or special offers are typically managed at the state level rather than individually by the campground. The most common and beneficial offer for frequent park visitors is the Texas State Park Pass.

The Texas State Park Pass provides free entry to more than 80 state parks for you and your guests (up to the number of people in your vehicle, or up to six people for walk-in/bike-in entry) for one full year from the purchase date. While it does not cover camping fees, it waives the daily entrance fee, which is normally $7 per person (ages 13 and older) at Lake Mineral Wells State Park. For campers who plan to visit Texas State Parks multiple times within a year, the pass can lead to significant savings.

Additionally, Texas State Parks occasionally run seasonal promotions or offer discounts for certain groups (e.g., seniors, veterans) or during specific times of the year. It's always advisable to check the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website or contact the park directly before your visit for the most current information on any available offers, booking windows, or special events that might impact your stay. Reservations for campsites can generally be made up to five months in advance, and it is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred spot.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Plateau Camping Area and Lake Mineral Wells State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 61 Plateau Lp, Mineral Wells, TX 76067, USA (Note: The official mailing address for Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway is 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067)

Park Phone Number: (940) 328-1171

The park staff can assist you with campsite availability, park rules, trail conditions, and any other questions you may have to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. It is highly recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak seasons or holidays, as campsites can fill up quickly.

For Texans looking for a convenient, diverse, and enriching outdoor experience, Plateau Camping Area at Lake Mineral Wells State Park is an exceptional choice. Its proximity to major metropolitan areas like Dallas and Fort Worth makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend escape or a more extended family vacation without the need for extensive travel. This accessibility means locals can maximize their time enjoying nature rather than enduring long drives.

The park’s appeal for Texans lies in its unique blend of activities. Where else in North Texas can you enjoy a serene lake for fishing and paddling, explore miles of hiking and biking trails, and tackle real rock climbing challenges at Penitentiary Hollow, all within the same state park? This variety ensures that every member of the family, regardless of age or interest, will find something engaging to do. The availability of electric and water hookups, coupled with clean restrooms and showers, provides a comfortable camping experience, catering to those who prefer some amenities while still being immersed in nature.

Moreover, for Texans who value their state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers a chance to connect with the unique Cross Timbers landscape and its wildlife. The 20-mile Trailway is a fantastic asset for active individuals, offering a safe and scenic route for extended walks, runs, or bike rides. The park's commitment to accessibility also ensures that outdoor adventures are open to a wider range of visitors. By choosing Plateau Camping Area, Texans are not just booking a campsite; they are securing a gateway to adventure, relaxation, and cherished memories in one of the state's most versatile and welcoming outdoor destinations.